It’s a damn shame that such a good actor like George Clooney might very well be the worst Batman that has ever graced the big screen. But when you compare him to Michael Keaton, Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, and yes, even Val Kilmer, Clooney’s performance in “Batman & Robin” is arguably the worst by a mile. That isn’t to say that he’s a bad actor, but there’s little Clooney could have done to save that film. And in a new interview with GQ, he’s perfectly fine with owning up to his “terrible” performance in that superhero film.
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Speaking about “Batman & Robin,” Clooney said that he’s willing to admit he wasn’t great in the movie because he’s the star and because it allows him to be critical of the rest of the film, as well.
“The only way you can honestly talk about things is to include yourself and your shortcomings in those things,” he explained. “Like, when I say ‘Batman & Robin’s’ a terrible film, I always go, ‘I was terrible in it.’ Because I was, number one. But also because then it allows you the ability to say, ‘Having said I sucked in it, I can also say that none of these other elements worked, either.’ You know? Lines like ‘Freeze, Freeze!’”
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Again, it’s not that Clooney is a bad actor. Clearly, his Oscar trophy on his mantle would beg to differ. But it’s just that “Batman & Robin” is a terrible film. Of course, there will be some that contend the Joel Schumacher film is an underrated cult classic because of how it embraces the campiness of Batman and is a different take than the super-serious, gritty version that seems to be what the character is known for. But those people are obviously delusional. (Only slightly kidding.)
If you have yet to see “Batman & Robin” and curious what all the fuss is about, here are some of the best/worst moments: